Thursday, September 6, 2012

Plans Change Sometimes...Dig in and Rejoice

Mark 6

[6.30-31] The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat.

Lord Jesus-The disciples had just come back from this vision expanding experience of being used by God. I am sure that there were questions by the hundreds and debriefing that just needed to be done. "What holds back the work of God that flows so free sometimes and then sometimes seem so held back, stilted, and somehow restricted. What did it mean when we can't heal?...How can we be more effective?"

The sending requires times when we can come back to the place of teaching. But really it isn't a place at all that we come back to...is it? It is a relationship...that needs time to clarify, to reconnect to the real meaning...a time to refocus on what really matters.

How many times do I miss the times of rest because I am on to the next thing? Lord Jesus, help me to sense your call to come off and spend some time in the quiet when the push of the next right thing to do isn't at my elbow. Timing is in your hands not mine...

[6.32-34] So they got in the boat and went off to a remote place by themselves. Someone saw them going and the word got around. From the surrounding towns people went out on foot, running, and got there ahead of them. When Jesus arrived, he saw this huge crowd. At the sight of them, his heart broke—like sheep with no shepherd they were. He went right to work teaching them.
Plans are made for changing. I am sure that the presence of this crowd did not surprise you. Tired and spent you saw them for who they were...sheep without a shepherd running after what they thought might actually meet their need.

Does your heart still break Lord Jesus when you see me running after you? Sometimes I am just like this crowd running after the newest movement of the Spirit of God when really all I have to do is open up to what you have been whispering in my ear the whole time.

So what is your word for me today, Lord Jesus? "Plans change, Kurt. It is a fluid world not static and unchanging...set sail today to the wind of the Spirit. Listen with ears wide open to my call. I am speaking. There is work to do...be open! Dig in and rejoice at the opportunities for today."